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After refueling in Twin Yucca, the jet took off down the runway, like a homesick angel returning to the skies. Vera looked out the window, and called Charlie's attention to the view of the Mojave Desert beneath them.

Charlie soon wearied of looking out the window, and leaned her head back on the headrest. After eating lunch, Charlie watched the endless blue sky pass by her window, until she finally was lulled to sleep.

When she woke up, the sun was setting in the western horizon, in back of the plane. They were headed away from the light, and into the dark eastern night ahead.

"When will we get there?" asked Charlie, venturing a question when the man had returned to see if there was anything they needed.

"Our estimated time of arrival is eight P.M.," he replied. Seeing the puzzled look when Charlie checked her watch, the man continued. "We crossed time zones, Miss Overholt. In fact, when you reach your destination, you will have lost three hours."

"Do you know Adam?" asked Charlie, out of curiosity.

"Only in passing, Miss," he said, politely. "He keeps to himself much of the time. Is there anything else I can get you? Bottled water? Soft drinks? Fruit punch? Anything at all?"

Vera and Charlie were served dinner on board the jet, but Charlie didn't have the stomach to eat. She was too nervous-- too excited to think about food.

At eight o' clock, EST, Adam's jet landed at Montgomery Private Airfield. When the door opened, a gust of cold autumn air rushed into the cabin, making Charlie open her suitcase and put on her coat. Vera did likewise. When the women were ready, the man carried their luggage down the aircraft steps and escorted them to the car waiting outside.

"I leave you here," said the man. "The driver will take you to your hotel."

"Thank you," said Charlie and Vera.

The car wove through busy downtown Raleigh traffic until it stopped in front of a large elegant hotel. The doorman helped the ladies out while someone else took their luggage to the front desk.

Charlie's teeth began to chatter. She clamped her jaw tightly, to stop the noise. She barely noticed her surroundings-- all her attention was on the expectation of seeing Adam again.

Suddenly, Charlie saw a familiar face. It was Bill, coming to meet them.

"Thank you so much for coming," said Bill shaking Vera's hand, and giving Charlie a hug. Charlie was a little surprised, for it was the first time Bill had ever hugged her. "He's not very good," warned Bill, trying to prepare Charlie. "I've never seen him this bad. He didn't even eat dinner," added Bill.

"Neither did I," remarked Charlie. "I was just too nervous. Does he know I'm coming?" she asked.

"No," replied Bill, "I admit it. I didn't have the guts to tell him. This is the first time I've ever gone over his head and against his wishes. Come on, I'll take you to your room, so you can settle in."

Bill unlocked their hotel door and carried the suitcases inside.

"Do you want to unpack, first?" he asked.

Vera looked to Charlie.

"It's up to you, Pumpkin," she said.

"Just give me a moment," said Charlie, retreating to the bathroom.

Charlie looked in the mirror and saw a frightened reflection staring back at her.

"That's no good!" she muttered, defiantly.

Taking out her hair brush, Charlie brushed her long wavy hair back into place. She touched up her makeup, and looked at her reflection once more.

"You've got to be strong!" she told herself. "Please, Jesus, give me wisdom!"

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